**MEDIA ADVISORY**
Lunar New Year Ceremony to Take Place at Missouri State Capitol
Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, with the help of children and community leaders, will hang a Duì lián (or “Couplet”), one of the most common Chinese decorations hung on front doors during the Lunar New Year celebration, at the ceremonial door of the Missouri Governor’s Office.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China, marks the celebration at the turn of the traditional lunisolar calendar. The largest celebrations take place in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and Malaysia. According to Chinese history, the Lunar New Year has been celebrated for over 4,000 years.
In 2020, the first day of the Lunar New Year is on Saturday, January 25, initiating the year of the Rat, the first year of the 12 year cycle. Celebrations traditionally run through the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.
For the first time this year, there will be cultural performances of traditional songs, dances, and musical instruments held after the banner hanging ceremony. These performances will take place in the first floor rotunda of the Capitol and start at 6:00 p.m.
Who: Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Department of Labor & Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui, St. Louis Chinese Language School and Columbia Chinese School
What: Celebration of Lunar New Year
When: 5 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2020
Where: Missouri State Capitol, Governor’s Office, 2nd Floor
Additional Cultural Performances to be held in the 1st floor rotunda
For planning purposes, please email delores.rose@labor.mo.gov if you intend to cover this event.
###